C U 4 Y2K Pearls

All Pearls No Swine from the Aughts (horrible word, but we got nothing better, right...the naughts?), part two. As with the first volume of that decade, you'll find the patented mix of Americana, sophisticated pop and some rock'n'roll. I didn't want to have too much overlap with the first Millenial Pearls, so only OBG faves Midlake make a repeat appearance here. 

The Von Bondies were probably more famous for the fist fight their frontman got into with The White Stripes' Jack White and his ensuing bloody nose, but compilation opener "C'Mon C'Mon" is a nice driving number to kick off APNS 21. They were supposed to be one of the many 'next big thing's during the wave of 'The' bands in the wake of The Strokes, but finally were never more than also-rans. Osaka Popstar bring a pedal-to-the-medal rendition of "Man Of Constant Sorrow" that has nothing in common with the famous O Brother Where Art Thou rendition from Union Stations's Dan Tyminski. Magnolia Electric Co. , the guitar-based outlet for songwriter extraordinaire Jason Molina, a.k.a. Songs: Ohia, bring the fabulous "The Dark Don't Hide It", slightly reminiscent of Neil Young & Crazy Horse. 

Speaking of people with different-sounding outlets: Will Johnson fronts two bands, Centro-Matic and South San Gabriel. Technically, they are the same band, with the latter inviting guests. But unlike, say, the aforementioned Mr. Young who varies between styles from record to record (or even from song to song), Johnson compartmetalizes. Centro-Matic play the electric guitar and feedback-drowned alternative rock, whereas South San Gabriel is for more mellow, introspective and slightly country-influenced music. It goes without saying that while both make worthwhile music, I prefer South San Gabriel. "I Am Six Pound Of Dynamite" is from a concept album called The Carlton Chronicles: Not Until The Operation's Through, which is about the adventures of a dying cat. Sadly, we never got more Carlton Chronicles after that. 

There's a bunch of old heroes here, too: Alejandro Escovedo with the magnificent story-song "Ballad Of The Sun And The Moon" and Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros with the lilting, singalong "Mega Bottle Ride". Jay Farrar goes to "Barstow" without leaving his usual gruff-voiced Americana grounds. Dwight Twilley's "Chance Of A Lifetime" was my first exposure to that fabulous songwriter. Poco's Paul Cotton brings the sun with the warm "The Sunset Kiid", while Delbert McClinton offers us a bit of sophisticated Western swing with "When Rita Leaves". 

Willard Grant Conspiracy and Clem Snide were two Americana bands I was quite into at the time. The best of the former, an alt-country collective from Boston built around the ssinging and songwriting of Robert Fisher, still is great, despite a somewhat samey sound. And while the sarcastic, deadpan style of Eef Barzelay and his merry men in the latter can become grating over long stretches, they had some very fine songs. 

Portugal. The Man was another 'next big thing' for a hot minute, with them sounding a little like other next big thing Dawes. The World Music-inspired Beirut, essentially a one-man band project from Yankee Zach Condon was a critical favorite at the time, which I can only listen to in small doses, before it gets grating. For some variety with a quick apparition on a compilation like this it's perfect, though. And finally, France's Phoenix were touted as a 'next big thing' until they blew up with Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix in 2009 and actually became stars, including in the US. But "Everything Is Everything" from 2004 could have already been their breakthrough single. 

So, these are some of the fabilous artists on this all Y2K edition of All Pearls, No Swine. As ever, enjoy...